Fourth day of competition at the IKF U21 World Korfball Championship 2018 in Budapest, HUNGARY. Follow and watch all games through IKF live webcasting on worldkorfball.org: Click here
Match 16: GERMANY 8 – TURKEY 12
Match day 4 and pool positions still to be decided. First game matched Germany and Turkey. Germany needed a second win to have any chance of reaching the semi-finals. Turkey, without a win, could push for top 8 with a win in this match. The first quarter was slow with few scoring chances and fewer goals as Germany pulled out to a 4-1 lead. The second quarter was much of the same, both teams taking several defended shots. The much remained alive as Turkey fought back with the only three goals of the quarter. The match tied 4-4 at half-time. A great blam from Germany to defend a free pass was a highlight of the half
With a sense of urgency becoming apparent, the game changed twice in the third quarter. First Germany taking a two goal lead 7-5, then Turkey scoring 4 to end the quarter 7-9 ahead. The match finished much as it started with only four goals in the final quarter as Germany failed to breakdown Turkey. Turkey winning 8-12 for their first victory of the tournament.
Match 17: ENGLAND 5 – NETHERLANDS 50
The second game of day 4 between England and Netherlands promised another goal feast. The match soon delivered, both teams playing relaxed and open korfball. Netherlands soon had a 1-12 lead after the first quarter. The second quarter was a mirror of the first as the Dutch took a 2-24 half-time lead, perhaps with 50 goals in mind for a second day. The England players kept up their work rate and determination in the second half. Just as in their previous match, Netherlands called a second half time out, needing 8 from six minutes. There was time enough and the Dutch finished 5-50 winners.
Match 18: CZECH REPUBLIC 26 – HONG KONG 10
The third match of day 4 would decide 3rd and 4th places in Pool A. A fast start from Czech Republic and they were soon 4-1 ahead. Hong Kong China are enjoying their championships and fought back strongly, matching their opponents for the rest of a high scoring quarter. Czech Republic ahead 8-6. The second quarter was more tense as the teams battled for control. Only four goals were scored, but enough for the Czech Republic to ease ahead 11-7.
Czech Republic dominated after the break, scoring easily and restricting their opponents to just three more goals. In the end a comfortable result for Czech Republic, winning 26-10 and taking 3rd place in the pool behind Netherlands and Belgium.
Match 19: HUNGARY 14 – PORTUGAL 24
The hosts Hungary faced Portugal in game 4 with a semi-final place at stake. In front of loud, excited fans, Hungary took the fight to Portugal and went 5-4 up in a pulsating first quarter. Sensing an upset and with some great shooting, Hungary pushed the lead to four goals at 9-5. Without regaining any real composure, Portugal showed the ability of a top 4 team, scoring eight consecutive to take control 9-13 early in the 3rd quarter. As the second half progressed, Hungary struggled to keep up with Portugal, falling further behind. The crowd, with less to cheer, became quiet and the contest was effectively over by the 4th quarter. Portgual were given a fight, but prevailed 14-24 and are likely to play Netherlands in the semi-finals.
Match 20: CHINESE TAIPEI 21 – CHINA 11
The final match of the day between Chinese Taipei and China started brightly enough with the favourites, Chinese Taipei, racing to a four goal lead. China responded well and the crowd were treated to a 11 goal quarter, Chinese Taipei 8 -3 up. In the 2nd quarter, the defences were dominant. Despite the referee from Hong Kong China awarding plenty of free passes, only two further goals were scored. Chinese Taipei leading 10-3 at half-time.
The second half started much as the first finished. Lots of endeavour but little result. Then, as much as the play was flat, it broke into life. Seven goals in five minutes as both teams added pace, bounce and good shooting. Chinese Taipei continued to have the better of play, leading 16-6. The last quarter continued as the 3rd finished with both teams attacking well and the goals kept coming, Chinese Taipei winning 21-11. China will be pleased with their efforts and have an important clash with Germany on day 5 for a top 8 place. Chinese Taipei progress to the semi-finals.